Eurolanche

Preview: Avalanche - Sharks

Season series: This is the first game of the season between the San Jose Sharks and Colorado Avalanche. They split four games in 2013-14 with each team holding serve in two games apiece on home ice.

Sharks team scope: The Sharks got off to one of the hottest starts in the League this season, but have since cooled off considerably. Until defeating the Anaheim Ducks in its most-recent game this past Sunday, San Jose had lost four in a row, dropping the previously undefeated team down to .500. The Sharks' victory against the Ducks was the first stop on a three-game road trip that will also take them to the Minnesota Wild on Thursday. San Jose will have to play the last two games of the trip without forward John Scott, who was suspended two games by the NHL on Monday for leaving the bench on a legal line change to start an altercation with Ducks forward Tim Jackman.

Avalanche team scope: After a surprising Central Division title last season, the Avalanche have struggled to find their footing in 2014-15, winning two of their first nine games. Colorado has managed to pick up points in the standings in its past three games, including one in a 2-1 overtime loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday. Defenseman Erik Johnson sustained a head injury during the loss, but participated in practice Monday and is expected to play against San Jose. "I feel a lot better," Johnson told the media. "I was a little bit worried when it happened, went through the concussion protocol and came out good. I felt a lot better last night and this morning and I'll be able to play tomorrow." Forward Jesse Winchester, who has not yet played this season because of a head injury in the preseason, practiced Monday, but is expected to return to the lineup Thursday against the New York Islanders at the earliest.

-- by David Kalan for NHL.com --

Related Stories

Little's OT goal lifts Jets past Avs

Jets seek offensive burst against Avs